2-798-854 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Madrid - the Queen passing La Buena Vista, in La Alcala, 1845. Crowds watch the carriage of Isabella II of Spain. 'The large square building, conspicuous in the centre, is the palace La Buena Vista, which was built towards the close of the last century, by the extravagant Duchess of Alva. It was bought by the Madrid Municipality, and given by them to Godoy, then in the height of power. Confiscated in 1808, it was next made the military Museo, in which specimens of curious artillery and models of fortresses were placed. These, when Espartero was Regent, and lived here, were removed to the Buen Retiro, and they, probably, will be brought back again. The noble mansion contains a magnificent suite of rooms, and, in 1844, the Turkish Ambassador, Fuad Effendi, was lodged here'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.